Detronement: Sariki Sanusi’s speech before leaving Kano
“It is a thing of pride that made us to rule and end in the same fashion as Halifa,” he said referring to his deposed grandfather.
In a video received by The DEFENDER, the deposed Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, gave what has been termed his acceptance message reacting to his sack by the government of Kano State.
That recording appeared to have been done as his last such statement inside the Emir’s Palace before he was moved out around 6.45pm via Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport to Abuja enroute Loko, Nasarawa State.
Alhaji Sanusi was deposed following a resolution of the Kano State Executive Council on March 9, on allegations of insurbodination.
The Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, who addressed journalists at the end of the emergency council meeting said the action was based on the governor’s powers under the state’s Emirates Law 2019.
A son of late Ado Bayero who was Sanusi’s predecessor, Aminu Bayero, was immediately announced as the new Emir with endorsement of the four Kano kingmakers.
In the video message, which was delivered in Hausa Language and lasted over four minutes, Sariki Sanusi accepted his dethronement as an act of destiny.
“With almost six years on this throne and (in charge of) our heritage, today, the Almighty Allah, who gave me the leadership has destined to take it back,” Alhaji Sanusi said.
He continued: “As I always say, leadership has predetermined tenure, the days Allah destined are numbered. When the days come to an end one must leave.
“We have accepted whatever Allah decides. We have agreed. We appreciate (Allah). We are happy and we know it is what is best for us.”
The blaring of siren heard towards the end of the video testified to the fact that it was recorded inside the palace in Kano and the blaring of the siren signalled the arrival of the Kano State Police of Commissioner who led the operation that whisked him out of the ancient city.
The ex-Emir Sanusi called on all title holders and palace officials to support whoever emerged as the new Emir.
“We enjoin everyone to remain peaceful. We have directed our family, our children and those that support us that whoever gets it and is endorsed by the people they should pay allegiance to him.
“They should follow him (the new emir). They should guard his honour and dignity because that is also the honour and dignity of this palace.”
In affirming his ties to his grandfather who was deposed in similar way in 1963, Emir Sanusi II expressed happiness for practicing his reign in accordance with that of Emir Sanusi I.
“It is a thing of pride that made us to rule and end in the same fashion as Halifa,” he said referring to his deposed grandfather.
He expressed his thanks to the people of Kano, titleholders, lieutenants and friends for their support and affection during his reign.
